The GP40-2 was EMD's follow-up to the very successful GP40 locomotive model. While many internal upgrades were introduced (such as the use of improved, modular Dash 2 electrical components), there were some external differences between the early production GP40-2 and late-production GP40. This included an engine water-level sight glass on the right side of the body (a feature common to all EMD Dash 2 models), a larger electrical cabinet air filter box, a lengthened battery compartment on the left side, and a slightly modified cab.

All GP40-2s featured a 16-cylinder EMD 645-series diesel engine which was rated at 3,000 horsepower. The early or "phase 1" GP40-2 was produced from mid-1972 through mid-1975. Most phase 1 units included features which were standard for EMD at the time: an 81" low nose and wire mesh radiator grilles. The first units built went to Rio Grande, but by far the largest purchaser was Chessie System with 147 units delivered during this period.

Due to the disproportionate number of Chessie System units produced, we are offering 8 Chessie road numbers on this first release. Included are four road numbers each for B&O and C&O split evenly among our Gold and Silver Series.